Large Aperture Polymer Electro-Optic Shutter Device and Method of Manufacturing Same

ABSTRACT

A large-aperture direct-view high-speed electro-optic shutter includes an electro-optic polymer material constructed to form a Pockels cell and an integrated photoconducting semiconductor switch. A chromophore-doped polymer material or chromophore copolymer, wherein the chromophore is oriented within the polymer material, exhibits a linear electro-optic effect when an electric field is applied to the device. In one embodiment, the polymer host material comprises one or more of a polycarbonate, amorphous polycarbonate, or polymethylmethacrylate polymer hosts. The optically active chromophore comprising one or more coumarin and coumarin derivatives, stilbene or tolane derivatives is incorporated within the polymer host, forming a guest-host polymer. In another embodiment, the chromophore is chemically bonded to the monomer that forms the polymer, resulting in an optically active copolymer. The electro-optic shutter device is then activated by incident light through the photoconducting semiconductor switch, rendering the Pockels cell to have an optical density of at least 3.0.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/218,160 filed on Jun. 18, 2009, the completedisclosure of which, in its entirety, is herein incorporated byreference.

GOVERNMENT INTEREST

The embodiments herein may be manufactured, used, sold, imported and/orlicensed by or for the United States Government without the payment ofroyalties thereon.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The embodiments herein generally relate to electro-optic technology,and, more particularly, to electro-optic shutter devices.

2. Description of the Related Art

There are various types of conventional optical switches, each of whichcan be classified as either a passive optical switch or an activeoptical switch. Typically, a passive optical switch receives incominglight, and changes state based upon the received light. In this regard,some passive optical switches are semiconductors that employ two-photonabsorption to activate, while other passive optical switches employall-optical components and organic dyes. In contrast, active opticalswitches receive incoming light, and are activated and/or deactivated bya power signal.

Optical switches, as described above, are typically employed intelecommunications and fiber optic technologies, and may employsemiconductors or organic polymers. Typically, active optical switchesare not employed to propagate images in a whole, un-encoded state, asthis can easily be accomplished with a passive device. However, passivedevices tend to suffer from several problems.

For example, although passive devices are inherently fast, their dynamicrange is generally very limited, as there are only so many availablemolecules to respond. Thus, passive devices can saturate quickly. Inaddition, the fluence or irradiance threshold to turn a conventionalpassive device to the “on” state may be intolerably high, effectivelypreventing the device from performing its intended function.

Electro-optic shutters have a quick response time and good attenuation,but conventional active and passive shutters are generally unable toextinguish light evenly over the extent of the electro-optic element.Further, conventional devices are generally passive in nature, in thatthey use part of the incoming light transient to drive the device to ablocking state. This type of conventional construction has been found tobe deficient in speed and effectiveness in blocking optical transientsthat would be harmful to a human eye or sensor.

SUMMARY

In view of the foregoing, an embodiment herein provides an electro-opticshutter comprising a first polarizer comprising a first polarizer face,and a second polarizer face positioned opposite the first polarizerface; a Pockels cell comprising a first cell face, a second cell facepositioned opposite the first cell face, and an outer circumferencedisposed therebetween, wherein the first cell face of the Pockels cellis disposed adjacent to the second polarizer face of the firstpolarizer, and wherein the Pockels cell comprises a polymer materialcomprising a chromophore-doped copolymer or a guest-host polymer; aphoto-conducting semiconductor switch (PCSS) in communication with thePockels cell; a positive electrode in conductive communication with thePCSS; a negative electrode in conductive communication with the PCSS;and a second polarizer comprising a first face, and a second facepositioned opposite the first face, wherein the first face of the secondpolarizer is disposed adjacent to the second cell face of the Pockelscell.

In one embodiment, the polymer material, which may be a poled sheetcomprising one or more of a polycarbonate, amorphous polycarbonate, orpolymethyl-methacrylate (PMMA) polymer host. In another embodiment, thechromophore-doped copolymer or guest-host polymer comprises one or moreof coumarin and coumarin derivatives, orcoumaromethacrylate-monomethacrylate copolymer, stilbene or tolanederivatives. Preferably, the chromophore-doped copolymer or guest-hostpolymer exhibits a linear electro-optic effect upon application of anelectric field, the electro-optical activity being greater thanapproximately 10 pm/V. Furthermore, the chromophore-doped polymer orguest-host polymer preferably exhibits transmission in a visible rangeof approximately 400 to 700 nm. In another embodiment, the polymermaterial is optically active. Preferably, the PCSS reacts to light,wherein the light activates the Pockels cell causing it to discharge,and wherein the light-activated Pockels cell has an optical density ofat least 3.0.

Another embodiment provides a method of manufacturing an electro-opticshutter device, the method comprising providing a transparent conductingelectrode material; depositing a polymer sheet comprising a poling axison the transparent conducting electrode material to form apolymer/electrode coated sheet having two layers of electrode material;heating the polymer/electrode coated sheet to a glass transitiontemperature of the polymer/electrode coated sheet; and folding thepolymer/electrode coated sheet to form a consolidated unit, a Pockelscell having a poling direction, comprising interdigitated threedimensional electrodes to form the electro-optic shutter device.

Another embodiment provides a method of manufacturing an electro-opticshutter device, the method comprising providing a transparent conductingelectrode material; depositing the transparent conducting electrodematerial on a poled polymer sheet comprising a poling direction, to forma coated polymer sheet having electrode material on a first sidethereof, and a non-electrode side opposite the first side; cutting thecoated polymer sheet into a plurality of approximately square pieces;bonding each approximately square piece to an adjacent approximatelysquare piece at the non-electrode side to form a consolidated unithaving a poling direction; planing and polishing the consolidated unitto transparency; disposing parallel vertical electrodes in theconsolidated unit; depositing a common conductor upon the consolidatedunit, a Pockels cell having a poling direction, to conductively connectall vertical electrodes to one another to form an electro-optic polymerPockels cell; and bonding a photo-conducting semiconductor switch to theelectro-optic polymer Pockels cell to form the fast shutter device.

Another embodiment provides a large-aperture direct-view high-speedelectro-optic shutter includes an electro-optic polymer material forminga Pockels cell and an integrated photoconducting semiconductor switch. Achromophore-doped guest-host polymer material or chromophore-dopedcopolymer, wherein the chromophore is oriented within the polymermaterial, exhibits a linear electro-optic effect when an electric fieldis applied to the device. In one embodiment, the polymer host materialcomprises one or more of a polycarbonate, amorphous polycarbonate, orpolymethylmethacrylate polymer hosts. The optically active chromophorecomprising one or more coumarin and coumarin derivatives, stilbene ortolane derivatives is incorporated within the polymer host, fanning aguest-host polymer. In another embodiment, the chromophore is chemicallybonded to the monomer that forms the polymer, resulting in an opticallyactive copolymer. The electro-optic shutter is then activated byincident light through the photoconducting semiconductor switch,rendering the electro-optic shutter opaque.

These and other aspects of the embodiments herein will be betterappreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with thefollowing description and the accompanying drawings. It should beunderstood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicatingpreferred embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are givenby way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes andmodifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments hereinwithout departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments hereininclude all such modifications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments herein will be better understood from the followingdetailed description with reference to the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view of a Pockels cell device accordingto an embodiment herein;

FIG. 2A-C are an illustration of preferred chromophore compoundscontained within a Pockels cell device according to an embodimentherein;

FIG. 3 is a modified index ellipsoid of an electro-optic polymeraccording to an embodiment herein;

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of an electro-optic shutterdevice according to an embodiment herein;

FIG. 5 is a side view illustration of one method of manufacturing anelectro-optic shutter according to an embodiment herein;

FIG. 6 is a side view illustration of an alternative method ofmanufacturing an electro-optic shutter according to an embodimentherein;

FIG. 7 is a side view illustration of a polishing step and PCSSconnecting step involved in manufacturing an electro-optic shutteraccording to an embodiment herein;

FIG. 8 is a side view illustration of a polarizer bonding step involvedin manufacturing a completed electro-optic shutter device according toan embodiment herein;

FIG. 9A is a top view of a completed electro-optic shutter deviceaccording to an embodiment herein;

FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view of section A-A of the electro-opticshutter device of FIG. 9A according to an embodiment herein;

FIG. 10 is a front view of a conformable array comprised of a pluralityof electro-optic shutter devices according to an embodiment herein;

FIG. 11 is a partial magnified view of the conformable array illustratedin FIG. 10 according to an embodiment herein;

FIG. 12 is a partial view of one quadrant of an assembled array ofelectro-optic shutter devices according to an embodiment herein;

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example application of anelectro-optic shutter device according to an embodiment herein; and

FIG. 14 is a circuit diagram of the circuit box of FIG. 13 according toan embodiment herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The embodiments herein, and the various features and advantageousdetails thereof, are explained more fully with reference to thenon-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions ofwell-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to notunnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used hereinare intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which theembodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skillin the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examplesshould not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.

The embodiments herein provide an improved high-speed electro-opticshutter having a fast response time and good attenuation, while alsobeing capable of extinguishing light evenly over the extent of theelectro-optic element. Furthermore, the embodiments herein provide aPockels cell based electro-optic shutter device capable of blockingoptical transients to such an extent that damage to eyes and sensorsdoes not occur. Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly toFIGS. 1 through 14, where similar reference characters denotecorresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there areshown preferred embodiments.

The Pockels effect is exhibited in chromophore-doped polymers.Specifically, certain crystals and polymers exhibit a linearelectro-optic effect, such that birefringence occurs when the crystal isplaced in an electric field. The induced birefringence is proportionalto the applied electric field, and is due to the deformation of theindicatrix (index ellipsoid) due to the applied field. When a strongexternal electric field E is applied, the indicatrix is distorted; thelength of the principal axes is modified and the orientation of theindicatrix is also modified as indicated:

κ′=κ+ r″E  (Eq. 1),

where r is the Pockels electro-optic tensor.

The indicatrix is renormalized to the new field. The form of a Pockelselectro-optic tensor for a guest-host polymer of C_(∞v) symmetry isshown in Equation (2) below. Such a material behaves as a uniaxialcrystal. The Pockels electro-optic tensor is a third-rank tensor that issymmetrical in the first two indices, and generally contains 18independent components. The C_(∞v) symmetry reduces the number ofindependent components to two, since the non-vanishing components r₁₃,r₂₃, r₄₂, and r₅₁ are all equal:

$\begin{matrix}{\begin{pmatrix}({\Delta\kappa})_{1} \\({\Delta\kappa})_{2} \\({\Delta\kappa})_{3} \\({\Delta\kappa})_{4} \\({\Delta\kappa})_{5} \\({\Delta\kappa})_{6}\end{pmatrix} = {\begin{pmatrix}0 & 0 & r_{13} \\0 & 0 & r_{23} \\0 & 0 & r_{33} \\0 & r_{42} & 0 \\r_{51} & 0 & 0 \\0 & 0 & 0\end{pmatrix}{\begin{pmatrix}E_{x} \\E_{y} \\E_{z}\end{pmatrix}.}}} & \left( {{Eq}.\mspace{14mu} 2} \right)\end{matrix}$

Prior attempts at creating large area Pockels-based shutter devices haveused plasma electrodes and other contrivances to circumvent the problemof obscuration of the central aperture by the electrode. The requirementof a clear central aperture having low losses is due to the necessity ofhaving lossless intracavity elements for a laser. As a fast shutter notused as a laser intracavity element, the large aperture direct-viewPockels devices face no such restriction.

The embodiments herein provide a novel Pockels cell device 100, and anelectro-optic shutter comprising such a Pockels cell device. The Pockelscell device of the embodiments herein comprises a chromophore-dopedpolymer. The Pockels cell device (i.e., the electro-optic element)operates as a half wave plate when a voltage V_(π) is applied to theelement, and has two opposing transverse surfaces. The chromophore-dopedpolymer is comprised of a polymer material, which acts as the substrate.In particular, the polymer material (i.e., the substrate) comprises, butis not limited to, one or more of a polycarbonate, amorphouspolycarbonate, or polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) polymer host.Preferably, the polymer is doped with, but is not limited to, one ormore of coumarin and coumarin derivatives, stilbene or tolanederivatives in the form of a chromophore-doped guest-host polymer orchromophore-doped copolymer system.

In particular, as illustrated in FIG. 1, a Pockels cell device 100 isprovided, wherein the crystal axes are oriented as shown. Thechromophore-doped polymer 101 contains oriented chromophores 102, whichexhibit a linear electro-optic effect (Pockels effect) under theinfluence of an applied electric field 104. A new index ellipsoid isformed under the influence of the applied field 104. The incidentpolarized light 103 propagates parallel to the x-axis 107; the y and zaxes of the device 100 are shown as 106 and 105, respectively.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2A-C, the oriented chromophores are preferablychromophores 210, being specifically designed to have highelectro-optical activity and transmission in the visible region, 400 to700 nm. In FIG. 2A, the chromophore 210 is a coumarin derivative 211,which is attached to the polymer 212, polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA)resulting in a copolymer. In FIG. 2B, the chromophore is a stilbenederivative, specifically methoxynitrostilbene 213 and in FIG. 2C, thechromophore is a tolane derivative, specifically aminonitrotolane 214.Alternatively, the chromophore may be simply dissolved in the polymerhost, resulting in a guest-host system.

The incident polarized light 103, as illustrated in FIG. 1, polarized45° to the z-axis 105, can be resolved into two s and p polarizedcomponents, oriented 45° either side of the z-axis 105 of the poledpolymer. One component is advanced by λ/4 and the other component isdelayed by λ/4. The result is a total phase difference of λ/2, whichrotates the incoming polarization 90° (illustrated as x-axis 107). Thephase shift Δφ that occurs if light is passed through the poled polymerin the direction of the applied electric field is written as below:

Δφ=2π/λ₀ [n _(c) −n _(o) ]L  (Eq. 3);

where Δφ is the phase shift (in radians) of the light of wavelengthλ_(o) (units of m); n_(o) is the ordinary refractive index(dimensionless quantity) of the Pockels medium at wavelength λ₀ (unitsof m); n_(e) is the extra-ordinary refractive index (dimensionlessquantity) at wavelength λ₀ (units of m); r₃₃ and r₃₁ are the particularelectro-optic constants for the Pockels material (units of m/V); and Vis the applied voltage (units of V). The “half wave” voltage V_(π)follows from the equation below:

V _(π) =dλ ₀ /L(r ₃₃ n _(e) ³ −r ₁₃ n _(o) ³)  (Eq. 4).

This voltage is on the order of several hundred volts to severalkilovolts in a practical device, and scales in a linear fashion withwavelength. The modified index ellipsoid 200 is illustrated in FIG. 3.The z, x and y axes are shown as 202, 203, and 204, respectively. Underthe influence of an applied field 205, the original index ellipsoid 201is modified to a new index ellipsoid 206. The extra-ordinary axis(z-axis 202) is changed by ½n_(e) ³r₃₃E (208) and the ordinary axis(y-axis 204) is changed by ½n_(e) ³r₁₃E (207). The total effectivechange (from Equation (4)) is the difference r₃₃n_(e) ³−r₁₃n_(o) ³.

Examples of EO polymers with high EO coefficients are the Lumera DHseries of chromophores based on a dialkoxythiophene type structure. TheDH series of chromophores include DH6, DH10, DH13, DH28, all having EOcoefficients >40 pm/V in a polycarbonate host. All these chromophorestructures are based upon the2′,2′-dicyanomethylen-3-cyano-4,5,5-trimethyl-2,5-dihydrofuran (TCF)molecule. Various moieties on the TCF structure are altered to form theDH-series of materials.

Most research to date has focused on telecommunications applicationsrequiring low loss and high EO coefficient at 1.3 to 1.5 μm. Some ofthese near-infrared materials may be suitable for this application whenused in films less than 10 μm in thickness. However, the embodimentsherein provide chromophore copolymer-doped polymer exhibiting a hightransmission rate of from 400 to 700 nm, along with a high EOcoefficient in excess of 10 pm/V.

The electro-optic shutter device 300 of the embodiments herein, as shownin FIG. 4, comprises the above-described Pockels cell device 100, iscomprised of a first polarizer 304 having a first face, and a secondface opposite the first face. The Pockels cell device 100 (i.e., theelectro-optic element of an electro-optic shutter) has a first face, asecond face opposite the first face, and an outer circumference disposedtherebetween, the first face of the Pockels cell device 100 is disposedadjacent to the second face of the first polarizer 304. The Pockels celldevice 100 (i.e., the electro-optic element) operates as a half waveplate when a voltage V_(π) is applied to the element, and has twoopposing transverse surfaces.

A photo-conducting semiconductor switch (PCSS) 307 is disposed incommunication with the Pockels cell device 100. The PCSS 307 further isin conductive communication with a positive electrode 309 and a negativeelectrode 308. Disposed adjacent to the second face of the Pockels celldevice 100 is a second polarizer 310 having a first face, and a secondface opposite the first face.

The first polarizer 304 is disposed adjacent to one transverse surfaceof the Pockels cell device 100 (i.e., the electro-optic element) and hasa first transmission axis oriented 45° relative to the z-axis of thepoled polymer. The second polarizer 310 is disposed adjacent to theother transverse surface of the Pockels cell device 100 (i.e., theelectro-optic element) and has a second transmission axis 90° differentthan the first transmission axis. Each electrode 308, 309 is disposed onone of the transverse surfaces of the Pockels cell device 100 (i.e., theelectro-optic element), and has an electric field which is substantiallyuniform over the transverse extent of the Pockels cell device 100 (i.e.,the electro-optic element).

Unpolarized light 301 propagating along axis 302 enters the firstpolarizer 304 with polarization axis 303. Vertically polarized light305, corresponding with the n_(e) axis 202, shown in FIG. 4, enters thePockels cell device 100. Part of the incident light activates the PCSS307. The PCSS 307 causes the negative electrode 308 and the positiveelectrode 309 to discharge the Pockels cell device 100.

If the intensity of the polarized light 305 is insufficient to triggerthe PCSS 307, the light exits the Pockels cell device 100 as 45°polarized light 313, and passes through the second polarizer 310 havinga polarization axis 311. However, if the intensity of the light 305 issufficient to trigger the PCSS 307 to discharge the Pockels cell device100, the light exits the Pockels cell device 100 as polarized light 312,which is 90° from the original polarized light 313 and is blocked by thesecond polarizer 310 having a polarization axis 311. This configurationis embodied as a normally on or normally transparent device.

An example of a Pockels cell device 100 used in accordance with theembodiments herein may be manufactured as illustrated in FIG. 5. Inparticular, a polymer sheet 401, comprised of the chromophore-dopedcopolymer or guest-host polymer 101 of the embodiments herein, having apoling axis 402, is deposited, in step 403, on a transparent conductingelectrode material 405 and 406, such as, but not limited to, Indium TinOxide (ITO) or Baytron® conductive polymer, as non-limiting examples, soas to form a coated sheet 404. Specifically, the coated sheet 404 hastwo layers of electrode material, 405 and 406, respectively, depositedthereon.

Polymer sheet 401 is fabricated by dissolving a chromophore 210 in asuitable polymer 212 such as, but not limited to, PMMA. This mixingprocess is performed while the polymer 212 is heated above its glasstransition temperature (T_(g)), the temperature at which the polymerbecomes soft enough to accommodate the chromophore 210. The resultingmixture is referred to as a guest-host polymer. The guest-host polymerremains heated above the glass transition temperature to allow formingby rollers, sheet extrusion, or other suitable polymer-melt processingtechnique to form a sheet of the desired thickness.

In the case of copolymers 212-214, such as shown in FIGS. 2A-C, thecopolymers are synthesized according to known techniques and heatedabove the glass transition temperature to allow forming by rollers,sheet extrusion, or other polymer melt processing technique to form asheet of the desired thickness.

At this point, the polymer sheet 401 may be poled. In other words, thepolymer sheet 401 has its constituent chromophore molecules aligned inthe proper direction by the application of a high voltage electric fieldto folded structure 408 during step 407. The high voltage is applied tothe top and bottom surfaces of structure 408 to form a chromophorealigning field in the direction of arrow 409. Alternatively, in process419, shown in FIG. 6, the field is applied to structure 420 by appliedpositive and negative high voltage to alternate electrodes; i.e. evenelectrodes are negative and odd ones are positive. The resultingchromophore poling field 421 is perpendicular to the spacing of theelectrodes.

The polymer/electrode coated sheet 404 is then heated to its glasstransition temperature, as illustrated in step 407 in FIG. 5. Theresulting polymer electrode coated sheet 404 is then folded to form aconsolidated unit 408, having interdigitated three dimensionalelectrodes having a poling direction 409.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 6, the Pockels cell device 100 of theembodiments herein may be manufactured using process 410, wherein apoled polymer sheet 411, having poling direction 412, has, in step 413,a transparent conducting electrode material 414, such as, but notlimited to, Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) or Baytron® conductive polymer, asnon-limiting examples, deposited thereon, so as to form a coated polymersheet 415. This poled polymer sheet 411 is comprised of the chromophorecopolymer described herein. The coated polymer sheet 415 has anelectrode material 414 on only one side thereof.

Then, in step 416, the coated polymer sheet 415 is cut into a pluralityof approximately square pieces 417. The approximately square pieces 417are then each bonded to the non-electrode side of the adjacent squarepiece, as illustrated by step 418. The approximately square pieces 417may be bonded to one another using cyanoacrylate cement, as anon-limiting example. However, any suitable conventional means ofbonding may be used. Then, in step 419, all of the approximately squarepieces 417 are bonded together to form a consolidated unit 420 havingpoling direction 421.

Consolidated unit 408, as illustrated in FIG. 5, and consolidated unit420, as illustrated in FIG. 6, now enter the next step of themanufacturing process 430, which is the planarization of the poled sheetas illustrated in FIG. 7. In particular, consolidated unit 408 andconsolidated unit 420 have both surfaces 431 and 432 planed and polishedto transparency, as illustrated by step 433. Through step 433 (i.e., thepolishing process), both consolidated unit 408 and consolidated unit 420end up with the same configuration. Then, in step 434, the individualparallel vertical electrodes 437 of each individual approximately squarepiece 417 (shown in FIG. 6) are operatively connected by commonconductors 435. The resulting electro-optic polymer 436 may be poled atthis step, if necessary. Then, in step 438, the PCSS 307 is bonded andconnected to the electro-optic polymer 436 to form the Pockels celldevice 100 of the embodiments herein.

To form the completed electro-optic shutter device 300 of theembodiments herein, as shown in FIG. 8, in process 440, the firstpolarizer 304 is bonded to the Pockels cell device 100 using an opticaladhesive 442, by coating the optical adhesive 442 on the Pockels celldevice 100, and applying pressure to the first polarizer 304 in thedirection shown. Similarly, the second polarizer 310 is bonded to thePockels cell device 100 using an optical adhesive 444, by applyingoptical adhesive 444 to the Pockels cell device, and applying pressureto the second polarizer 310 in the direction shown. The first polarizer304 and the second polarizer 310 are oriented in a crossedconfiguration. Finally, in step 445, curing to remove voids and bubblesis carried out to yield a finished electro-optic shutter device 300.

As illustrated in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the electro-optic shutter device 300of the embodiments herein is comprised of the Pockels cell device havingthe PCSS 307 bonded thereto. The dimensions A and B of the electro-opticshutter are variable, and determined by the application. In onenon-limiting example, the dimensions A and B are on the order of 1 cm.Three-dimensional interdigitated electrodes 453 and 454 are connected toa high voltage source by pads 455 and 456.

A cross-sectional view of the electro-optic shutter device 300 throughA-A shows the thickness L (from Equation (4)), and is generallyapproximately millimeters, but may be tailored to the desiredapplication. Likewise, the electrode spacing D is generallyapproximately, but not limited to, 0.5 to 1.0 mm, and may be tailored tothe desired application. Light propagates through the device 300 in thedirection shown through second polarizer 310 and first polarizer 304.

As illustrated in FIG. 10, in the general process 460, a completed unitcan be assembled in a mosaic-like fashion, by assembling a plurality ofelectro-optic shutter devices 300 together. In particular, in process461, the individual electro-optic shutter devices 300 are bonded to asuitable substrate, adjacent to one another, to form a conformable array464. The bonding can be accomplished using a silicone-based adhesive 462or similar material. Preferably, the adhesive used is sufficiently rigidto support the deposition of electrically conducting strips 463. Thestrips 463 carry the electrical charge necessary to operate theindividual electro optic elements 300. The individual electro-opticshutter elements 300 can be joined to form a curved element, if desired.

As illustrated in FIG. 11, which is an expanded view of the array 464 ofjoined electro-optic elements cell shown in FIG. 10, the electro opticshutter elements 300 are embedded in an insulating adhesive material462. The electrically conducting strips 463 in FIG. 10 are split into473 and 475 as described in FIG. 11. Ground common connector strip 473carries an electrical charge via a smaller conducting strip 474 to thePCSS 307. Another parallel strip, a positive common connector 475,carries an opposite electrical charge to the opposing electrodes of theelectro-optic shutter elements 300 via a strip 474 attached to a pad476. The connectors 473 and 475 are potted within the insulatingadhesive material 462, so as to protect the user against electricalshock.

FIG. 12 shows one quadrant of an assembled array 480 of electro-opticshutter devices 300. The electro-optic shutter devices 300 are potted inan opaque electrically insulating polymer 487 that stabilizes theelectro-optic shutter elements 300 against movement, and preventsunwanted light from passing around the electro-optic shutter elements300. Each row of electro-optic shutter elements 300 is connectedelectrically by a positive common connector 475 and common groundconnector 473. The common connectors 473 and 475 terminate in a positivepad 482 and ground pad 481 that allow electrical connection to the highvoltage positive bus 486 and ground bus 485. The connections to thepositive high voltage bus 486 are accomplished by positive conductingstrip 484, and the connections to the ground bus are accomplished byground conducting strip 483. These conducting strips can be fabricatedusing known circuit board fabrication techniques.

FIG. 13 illustrates an example application of the electro-optic shutterdevice of the embodiments herein. In particular, in FIG. 13, twocompleted lens assemblies (i.e., array 480 of electro-optic shutterdevices) are attached to an eyeglass frame 491. Two assemblies (i.e.,array 480) are used to complete the device 490. The completed opticaldevice 490 may include opaque side shields or other desired aestheticfeatures. The positive and ground conducting buses 486 and 485, as shownin FIG. 12, are connected in parallel within the eyeglass frame 491,terminating in one of the earpieces of the eyeglass frame 491.

An insulated wire pair 493 connects the eyeglass frame 491 to a compactcircuit box 492. The circuit box 492 contains various circuit elements500, as shown in FIG. 14, and contains an on-off switch 503, a 9-voltbattery connected to a commercially available compact high voltage powersupply (not shown) applied to positive terminal 501. The high voltageapplied to terminal 501 passes through a charging resistor 502 andapplies the high voltage to the electro-optic shutter elements 300.

The resistor 507 allows the designer to tune the circuit for criticallydamped operation to maximize the efficacy of the device (i.e., device490 of FIG. 13). The resistor 508 and inductor 509 are not actualdiscrete circuit elements, but describe the innate resistance andinductance contained within the electro-optic shutter element 300. Theelements of the PCSS 307 are contained within the electro-optic shutterelement 300 as previously described. The elements of the PCSS 307, whenilluminated with light, cause the discharge of the electro-optic shutterelement 300 to ground 505, thus activating the device (i.e., device 490of FIG. 13) as described above.

The Pockels cell device 100 provided by the embodiments herein operateswith very fast electrical pulses (sub-nanosecond), and provides asignificant advantage in speed over conventional mechanical shutters.Further, the device 100 provides for a higher attenuation thanconventional passive chemical dye-based shutters. As discussed above,the Pockels cell device 100 provided by the embodiments herein may beincorporated in a thin, flexible electro-optic shutter device 300composed entirely of a solid-state polymer.

The Pockels cell device 100 provided by the embodiments herein, as wellas the electro-optical shutter device 300 comprising same, may beutilized in any application requiring very rapid blocking of an opticaltransient, including protection from damaging laser pulses from themillisecond regime to the nanosecond regime, and even to block pulsesdown to the femtosecond regime. In particular, the Pockels cell device100 and electro-optical shutter device 300 provided by the embodimentsherein provide excellent eye and sensor protection.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that the Pockels cell device100, the electro-optic shutter device 300, and the method ofmanufacturing same, as provided by the embodiments herein, have manydiverse applications and that the embodiments herein are not limited tothe representative examples disclosed herein. Accordingly, the foregoingdescription of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the generalnature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying currentknowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications suchspecific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and,therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended tobe comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of thedisclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology orterminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not oflimitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been describedin terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art willrecognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modificationwithin the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

1. An electro-optic shutter comprising: a first polarizer comprising a first polarizer face, and a second polarizer face positioned opposite said first polarizer face; a Pockels cell comprising a first cell face, a second cell face positioned opposite said first cell face, and an outer circumference disposed therebetween, wherein said first cell face of said Pockels cell is disposed adjacent to said second polarizer face of said first polarizer, and wherein said Pockels cell comprises a polymer material comprising a chromophore copolymer-doped polymer or a guest-host polymer exhibiting electro-optic activity greater than approximately 10 pm/V and transmission in a visible range of approximately 400-700 nm; a photo-conducting semiconductor switch (PCSS) in communication with said Pockels cell; a positive electrode in conductive communication with said PCSS; as negative electrode in conductive communication with said PCSS; and a second polarizer comprising a first face and a second face positioned opposite said first face, wherein said first face of said second polarizer is disposed adjacent to said second cell face of said Pockels cell.
 2. The electro-optic shutter of claim 1, wherein said polymer material comprises one or more of a polycarbonate, amorphous polycarbonate, or polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA)-polymer host.
 3. The electro-optic shutter of claim 1, wherein said chromophore-doped copolymer or guest-host polymer comprises one or more of coumarin and coumarin derivatives, or coumaromethacrylate-monomethacrylate copolymer, stilbene or tolane derivatives.
 4. The electro-optic shutter of claim 1, wherein said polymer material comprises chromophore that exhibits a linear electro-optic effect upon application of an electric field.
 5. The electro-optic shutter of claim 1, wherein said polymer material is optically active.
 6. The electro-optic shutter of claim 1, wherein said PCSS becomes conducting in the presence of light, causing the electro-optic shutter of claim 1 to discharge.
 7. The electro-optic shutter of claim 6, wherein said light activates said Pockels cell through the PCSS.
 8. The electro-optic shutter of claim 7, wherein the light-activated Pockels cell has an optical density of at least 3.0.
 9. A method of manufacturing an electro-optic shutter device, said method comprising: providing a transparent conducting electrode material; depositing upon a polymer sheet comprising a poling axis with said transparent conducting electrode material to form a polymer/electrode coated sheet having two layers of electrode material; heating said polymer/electrode coated sheet to a glass transition temperature of said polymer/electrode coated sheet; and folding said polymer/electrode coated sheet to form a consolidated unit comprising interdigitated three dimensional electrodes having a poling direction to form said Pockels cell device.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein said polymer sheet comprises a guest-host polymer or chromophore-doped copolymer comprising a polymer material comprising one or more of a polycarbonate, amorphous polycarbonate, or polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) polymer host.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein said chromophore-doped copolymer or guest-host polymer comprises one or more of coumarin and coumarin derivatives, or coumaromethacrylate-monomethacrylate copolymer, stilbene or tolane derivatives.
 12. The method of claim 10, wherein said chromophore copolymer-doped polymer or guest-host polymer exhibits electro-optical activity greater than approximately 10 pm/V.
 13. The method of claim 10, wherein said chromophore copolymer-doped polymer or guest-host polymer exhibits transmission in a visible range of approximately 400 to 700 nm. 14-18. (canceled) 